Persons with Felony Convictions

Persons with prior Felony convictions

State University of New York (SUNY) policy prohibits SUNY Niagara admission applications from inquiring into an applicant’s prior criminal history. After acceptance, the College shall inquire if the student previously has been convicted of a felony if such individual seeks campus housing or participation in clinical or field experiences, internships or study abroad programs. The information required to be disclosed under SUNY policy regarding such felony convictions shall be reviewed by a standing campus committee consistent with the legal standards articulated in New York State Corrections Law.

Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions. Students who have concerns about such matters are advised to contact the division office of their intended academic program.

A student who discloses a prior felony conviction is not automatically barred from participation in a covered activity. Students will instead be required to submit information regarding the prior felony conviction to a standing committee at SUNY Niagara

The committee shall request and review the following types of information:

• A copy of the student’s unsuppressed, official criminal history record from the New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services (or the equivalent agency for another jurisdiction); and
• For students on parole or probation status, report(s) and reference(s) from the applicant’s Department of Correctional Services Division of Parole or the Office of Probation and Correctional Alternatives (or equivalent agencies for another jurisdiction). The reports/references shall include the name and addresses of parole or probation officers. Parole and probation officials should be questioned as to whether the individual’s admission as a student or participation in the activities/services requested are consistent with the student’s parole or probation conditions or would pose a threat to the safety of the campus community.

After reviewing all available information, the committee will decide by majority vote whether to grant or deny the student’s admission or participation in the covered activity requested or to grant such admission/participation subject to specific conditions. Admission and/or participation in covered activities may only be denied if such admission/participation would pose an unreasonable risk to property or the safety or welfare of specific individuals or the general public. The decision of the committee is final and is not subject to appeal or further review.